AIA Pushes for Architecture Peace Corps

"Public service loan assistance programs have for decades been a driving force in attracting talent to some of America’s neediest and underserved regions and sectors of the economy," writes Shervan A. Sebastian, manager of the American Insitute of Architects' (AIA) federal relations.

"The AIA is proposing legislation that offers architecture school graduates loan re-payment assistance opportunities similar to those offered to graduates of other professions who contribute their services to their communities. The National Design Services Act (NDSA) [PDF] provides student loan assistance for architects who work at community design centers by securing grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reduce loan balances of participating students."

"It’s a model that has worked with AmeriCorps," he adds, "and, with some variation, in other professions as well. It’s time to ensure that the high cost of an architectural degree can be aided and supported through young architects’ willingness and ability to restore and repair communities in need."